Though “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” may be Muhammad Ali’s most recognized quote, we’ve chosen a different one for today’s Monday Mantra.

“The person [man] who views the world at 50 the same as they [he] did at 20 has wasted 30 years of their [his] life.”

Having lived through such a historically eventful time in recent history, Ali’s success as an athlete and his passionate beliefs placed him in a perpetual spotlight. A diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease in 1984 didn’t stop him. Always involved in philanthropic activities and organizations, he continued his work- never allowing his personal hardships (past or then-present) to muddy his commitment to charity towards others.

Muhammad Ali is a champion not only of the boxing ring, but also a champion among men. They don’t make athletes like him anymore.

Today’s mantra is a quote of his that is better appreciated when applied early in life. If we can force ourselves to allow for and embrace the changing nature of our perspective as we go through life, then maybe we can avoid the “wasted life.”